Translation agency for software localization
Translate software and apps
- User interface, online help and documentation in 70 languages
- Use of CAT tools and localization software
- Testing the localized software
Over 20 years of experience with translation and localization
Translate software, mobile apps and machine texts
You’ve put a lot of effort and resources into developing your software and want to get foreign language versions to market as quickly as possible. But software localization is a rocky road. And many a person has stumbled along the way. Often, this process simply takes too long: complicated coordination processes, unclear terminology, error corrections after compiling the translated software … All the more important to have a partner who really knows how software localization works. And who would be better suited for this than a service provider who himself develops software in several languages?
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Do the shortcuts work after translation?
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Aren't the translations for dialog boxes too long?
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Is there consistency of terminology between menus, messages and online help?
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Are country-specific customs (dates, addresses, forms of address, currencies, etc.) observed?
Software localization of strings, texts, graphics and multimedia applications takes into account not only cultural or linguistic aspects, but also technical ones. Every mistake, every delay means that your product will be launched later and you will lose sales potential. We have the processes, the tools and the know-how to deliver time-critical projects on time.
Translation into all languages
We translate into all languages
Do you need a translation? We will send you a quote within the shortest possible time. Send us your request with this quote form.
Software localization challenges
We have the necessary knowledge
Translation service provider for software localization
Benefit from our experience as software developers and translators! D.O.G. GmbH is not only a service provider offering translation and localization services in all business languages. We develop software ourselves (in Python, C# and C++, among others), which we localize as a matter of course.
We have our own development department. This means that we are very familiar with the software development process and the requirements of software localization. Thus, we have developed our terminology management system LookUp not only as a web application, but also as an app on the mobile operating systems IOS and Android.
We can process your software strings from different file formats such as XML, RC, Microsoft Silverlight, .NET Assembly EXE/DLL, XAML, PO, Android XML resources, JSON, Apple iOS Storyboard XML and many more.
In doing so, we use tools such as Passolo and ensure that the defined GUI terminology is adhered to throughout the software localization process. Finally, if desired, we can test the localized software on the basis of agreed tests.
We localize not only the software itself, but also accompanying products such as user documentation and online help, installation software, sample files, tutorials, videos or web pages.
Special care is required for software localization
The localization of software and apps is associated with various challenges. There are linguistic, cultural and technical aspects to consider. From a technical point of view, the translator must first know exactly which words he is allowed to translate and which not.
Usually the files to be translated are prepared in such a way that only the pure strings (texts) are editable, but this can be different in individual cases. Then the translator must be able to recognize program commands or words that belong to the program syntax, such as “while”, “for”, “print”, etc.. These must not be translated under any circumstances.
A special challenge is the handling of placeholders like %s (placeholder for a string variable). In the sentence “There are %d virus found in file %s!” %d is replaced by a number, %s by a string. The translator must understand this and possibly change the order of the placeholders if his language (e.g. Japanese) requires a different syntax. There may also be problems with counting.
Not all languages have the pattern one = singular and higher = plural. Some languages have multiple plurals, such as Polish here.
| English | Polish | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
%d file |
%d plik |
|
2-4 |
%d files |
%d pliki |
|
5-infinity |
%d files |
%d plików |
Example for different solutions of plural cases
Depending on the software product, the encoding of the texts is a particular point to be checked. Chinese and Japanese may be encoded differently, which is especially important to consider for older software products.
A special aspect is bidirectionality, both in the texts and in the arrangement of the information. Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Urdu, and similar languages mix right-left and left-right texts on the same line. The direction of the surrounding context must be controlled for the whole thing to work properly.
Certain software products have length restrictions for texts. This is the case, for example, when the size of dialogs, fields, and buttons is fixed, or when there is little room for longer fields. Localization software such as Alchemy Catalyst, Passolo, Sisulizer, Globalizer, RC WinTrans have useful functions that help the translator to adjust his translation or GUI objects if necessary.
Translation of machine software
Translating machine software is a special form of software localization. Machine software is present in most machines, systems and devices today. Many interact with the user via a human-machine interface (HMI), which controls the program via a touch panel.
There are different types of machine software. For example, they are used for the configuration and control of machines or for remote maintenance and remote diagnostics. This generates a whole range of texts that have to be translated into foreign languages: User interface objects such as buttons and menu items, online help, messages, error messages, etc.
Machine software is created in various programming languages (e.g. CODESYS or Siemens STEP 7) and runs on operating systems such as Linux, Microsoft, Android or IOS. The international standard IEC 61131-3 specifies uniform requirements for programming languages for control systems. These must be considered by the machine software manufacturers. The localization process must therefore take into account the properties of the programming language used and the environment.
Only certain texts may be translated. The encoding of the translated files must be correct, and the translation must not exceed the limited display area available. We will help you standardize and unify the abbreviations for your display texts in all required languages.
The maximum text length is specified in number of characters or in pixels, depending on the system. D.O.G. GmbH has programmed tools internally that control the length of the translation so that the delivered translation is correctly shown on the display.
Linguistically, the lack of context is one of the biggest challenges for translators. Depending on the context, the same word such as "Anlage" may need to be translated differently in two different dialogs. The same is true for obvious abbreviations such as: “Abrzt. Monatsanf./-Ende” (where Abrzt. = Abrechnungszeitraum/billing period).
The localization process
Our software localization process takes into account the specifics of your product and your priorities. We first analyze your files and requirements and, based on this, prepare a fixed price offer and a production plan. If necessary, technical issues are clarified or technical tests are performed.
Our localization specialists prepare the files for the translation process. Terminology is extracted and provided to the translators along with the pre-processed files. After translation, linguistic and technical quality control is performed before the localized files are sent to you. Your software can be translated into multiple languages in parallel.
The localized software still needs to be tested afterwards: Do the commands work? Are all localized texts visible? Are there hard-coded texts? … We can support you in testing the foreign language versions of your software.
Many of our customers are developing their software on an ongoing basis. Our processes enable timely and cost-effective localization of software updates.
The GILT industry
Abbreviations such as “L10N” are popular in the GILT industry. This abbreviation stands for the word “Localization” and is derived from the 10 letters between the letter “L” at the beginning of the word and the letter “N” at the end of the word:
- Globalization (G11N) = Globalization: Activities of a company for the worldwide marketing of a product. In addition to linguistic aspects, this also refers to economic and legal aspects.
- Internationalization (I18N): Design and development of a product to enable easy localization for audiences that vary in culture, region, or language (as defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) ). Example: the software supports Unicode or bidirectionality.
- Localization (L10N): Localization (see FAQs above).
- Translation: pure translation.
Software localization for various industries
Our customers come from these industries, among others
We localize software and translate user documentation for these industries
Language combinations
We offer these languages
For software localization, we offer a large number of language combinations. Most of the software products we localize have either German or English as their source language. We offer all language combinations from both German and English. Very popular combinations with German as the source language are:
- Translations German → English
- Translations English → German
- Translations German → French
- Translations English → French
- Translations German → Italian
- Translations English → Italian
- Translations German → Polish
- Translations English → Polish
- Translations German → Turkish
- Translations English → Turkish
- Translations German → Portuguese
- Translations English → Portuguese
- Translations German → Russian
- Translations English → Russian
- Translations German → Dutch
- Translations English → Dutch
- Translations German → Chinese
- Translations English → Chinese
- Translations German → Arabic
- Translations English → Arabic
This is what we translate
Quality and time saving
Quality standards for software translations
D.O.G. GmbH is certified according to the ISO 17100 standard. The standard specifies the minimum requirements for the procedures, resources and qualifications of service providers. These also apply to software localization services.
As a result, the service provider is required to establish and maintain a quality management system that monitors the methods and techniques used to provide software localization services. In order to provide the services properly, the service provider must also have technically skilled and appropriately trained staff. This is the case with D.O.G. and is regularly confirmed during audits.
Establishment of a multilingual terminology management system
D.O.G. GmbH is expert in the field of terminology and terminology management. LookUp, a terminology management system developed in-house, with its powerful functions (such as the statistics and workflow module) allows you to ensure consistent terminology throughout your entire company.
In addition, we also offer LookUp as a mobile app (for both Android and iOS) alongside the web application. With this app, your terminology is accessible worldwide from your mobile devices. LookUp can be integrated with the ErrorSpy quality assurance program.
Testing your localized software
The testing of the localized software is a special quality assurance procedure. We can test the runability on local operating systems.
Various test procedures are also possible and will be coordinated with you depending on the individual case: Installation test, linguistic test, functional test, etc. In addition to our own test scripts, we also perform tests according to your specification. We ensure with tests that your software works in all languages, operating systems, browsers and devices.
Your benefits from working with D.O.G.
10 reasons to work with us
We have been working with many satisfied customers for over 20 years. As developers of software products, we know exactly what kind of pressure software companies like you are under to successfully market their products and services worldwide. We guarantee efficient, customer-oriented processing of your orders and reliable adherence to deadlines. Our services for you:
- Minimal administrative effort for your translations. We take care of the coordination and supervision of translators, revisers and post-editors, as well as IT specialists
- Higher standards in terms of quality, processes or programs used
- Reduced workload for necessary work such as terminology, qualification of new translators, database maintenance or archiving
- Only one point of contact for all translations: Reliable control of your individual processes via a workflow system. You get access via our customer portal
- Use of state-of-the-art technologies such as ErrorSpy, the powerful quality assurance software for translations
- Online access to your specialist terminology via the LookUp terminology platform
- Central archive of your translated documentation
- Extensive translator resources for all special languages and technical challenges
- Central maintenance of translation memories and terminology
- Overview and control of all costs
Standards for data exchange
Important data formats for localization projects
Standards facilitate data exchange between different systems. The standards defined in the area of localization allow data to be transferred efficiently
XML Localisation Interchange File Format
XLIFF is a standard for the exchange of translation data. It is an XML-based format that allows localization professionals and translators to exchange translation projects between different translation tools in a standardized way.
TermBase eXchange
TBX is a standard format for the exchange of terminology data. It is an XML-based format that allows terminology management systems to exchange terminology data in a standardized way.
Translation Memory eXchange
TMX is a standard format for the exchange of translation memories. It is an XML-based format that allows translation memory systems to exchange translation memories in a standardized way.
Segmentation Rules eXchange
SRX is a standard format for exchanging segmentation rules for translation projects. It is an XML-based format that allows translation memory systems or machine translation systems to exchange segmentation rules in a standardized way.
Internationalisation tag set
ITS is a standard for internationalizing HTML and XML documents. It is an XML-based format that can be used to tag documents with meta-information about their internationalization status. Example the tags Translate or Localization Note.
Some of the software formats we translate
We can localize these formats, among others:
Here are some of the file formats that we can localize:
.RES
.NET resources are files used by the .NET Framework to store data and metadata. They have the extension .res.
.EXE
EXE files are executable files that can be run by the operating system to launch a program. They have the extension .exe.
.DLL
DLL files are dynamic link libraries that can be loaded by the operating system to provide functions to a program. They have the extension .dll.
.OCX
OCX files are ActiveX controls that can be used by programs to provide interactive functions. They have the extension .ocx.
.CPL
CPL files are control panel applets that can be used to change settings on a computer. They have the extension .cpl.
.PO
PO files are portable object files that can be used to store data and metadata for use by programs. They have the extension .po.
.JSON
JSON files are JavaScript Object Notation files that can be used to store data in a structured format. They have the extension .json.
.YML
.yml files are YAML files that can be used to store data in a structured format. They have the extension .yml.
.XAML
XAML files are XML files used by the .NET Framework to define user interface elements. They have the extension .XAML
.RC
RC. Files are resource files. They are used to store data and metadata for use by programs. They have the extension .rc
.MSI
MSI files are Windows installation files. They are used to install software on a computer. They have the extension .msi
Customer testimonials
What our customers say
German RailT. WinterLanguage Management (IBS)"For Deutsche Bahn AG, LookUp is a central building block for the management of corporate language. In addition to the integration into the translation processes, the function of semantic concept and term cross-linking enables the use of terminology also in a non-translational context (e.g. to increase the intent recognition of chatbots). This makes LookUp the basis for central, group-wide multilingual knowledge management."
GÖTTFERT Werkstoff-Prüfmaschinen GmbHNicole Stang, Christin Balles, Oliver LangerTechnical Documentation"High-quality technical translations are essential, especially for our operating instructions and customer documentation for materials testing machines. D.O.G. provides us with all the translations we require in the highest quality and also with absolute adherence to deadlines. We are very satisfied with the translation work and can always recommend D.O.G. GmbH."
Krones AGMarga HellerbrandHead of Translation and Terminology, GDDM Content Management" The technical texts we produce, in particular, which contain specific specialized terminology, require translators who are familiar with the content and can render it correctly. D.O.G. has always proven to be a reliable and competent partner here, meeting precisely these requirements."
FAQ
Questions about localizing software
Software localization is more than the mere translation of texts from the user interface of a software. Software localization includes the adaptation of information (e.g. addresses, units, legal information, order of first and last names…), operation of the software (e.g. key combinations) or layout (colors, symbols) to the specifics of the target country. Localization is necessary, due to technical, linguistic and cultural differences.
The localization of software takes a little more time than the translation of documentation. In addition to the linguistic aspects, technical aspects must also be considered and checked. Over the years, D.O.G. GmbH has developed proven workflows that enable localization projects to be completed quickly and without errors.
Teams of translators can work in several languages in parallel. The development of a specialized terminology and our context-sensitive ErrorSpy quality assurance software ensure a high linguistic quality of the delivered software texts.
- Formulate clear localization instructions and define terminology for the user interface
- Extract the strings to be translated from the software.
- Translate the strings into the desired languages.
- Compile the localized version.
- Test the localized software to ensure that it works as expected.
Translation service
Your full-service provider for software localization and translations
At D.O.G. GmbH we offer you a high-quality all-round service for your software localization:
- Processing via a customer portal that gives you up-to-date information on the status of your projects at any time.
- A central personal contact who advises and informs you.
- The translation and localization of your software in all desired languages.
- Use of technologies (CAT tools and localization tools) with full cost transparency (taking into account the reuse of existing translations).
- The creation of a multilingual terminology, which we share with you via our terminology management system LookUp.
- Translation of accompanying documentation: online help, user manual and training materials.
- Multimedia content localization.
- Quality control as well as testing according to agreed specifications.
Do you have a software localization project?
Then talk to us. We will clarify with you how you can localize your software most efficiently and cost-effectively in the desired languages. Benefit from our experience as software developers and localization service providers.
